CA Gov't Code Section 4216.7

(a)

If a subsurface installation is damaged by an excavator as a result of failing to comply with Section 4216.2 or 4216.4, or as a result of failing to comply with the operator’s requests to protect the subsurface installation as specified by the operator prior to the start of excavation, the excavator shall be liable to the operator of the subsurface installation for resulting damages, costs, and expenses to the extent the damages, costs, and expenses were proximately caused by the excavator’s failure to comply.

(b)

If the operator of a subsurface installation has failed to comply with the regional notification center system requirements of Section 4216.1, that operator shall forfeit his or her claim for damages to his or her subsurface installation, arising from the excavation, against an excavator who has complied with the requirements of Section 4216.2 to the extent damages were proximately caused by the operator’s failure to comply.

(c)

If an operator of a subsurface installation has failed to comply with the provisions of Section 4216.3, has failed to comply with paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 4216.2, or has failed to comply with subdivision (b) of Section 4216.4, the operator shall be liable to the excavator who has complied with Sections 4216.2 and 4216.4 for damages, costs, and expenses resulting from the operator’s failure to comply with these specified requirements to the extent the damages, costs, and expenses were proximately caused by the operator’s failure to comply.

(d)

Nothing in this section shall be construed to do any of the following:

(1)

Affect claims including, but not limited to, third-party claims brought against the excavator or operator by other parties for damages arising from the excavation.

(2)

Exempt the excavator or operator from his or her duty to mitigate any damages as required by common or other applicable law.

(3)

Exempt the excavator or operator from liability to each other or third parties based on equitable indemnity or comparative or contributory negligence.